Commercial Vehicle Crash Snarls Interstate 70 Traffic
Clay County—Just before 3:30 this afternoon, Indiana State Police and Clay County emergency agencies responded to a two-vehicle crash in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the 21.7 mile marker. The crash involved two commercial vehicles and resulted in one injury.
Preliminary investigation revealed a white 2000 Freightliner, pulling a box trailer loaded with auto parts, driven by 43-year-old Harpit Atwal of Brampton, Ontario, failed to slow and struck the rear of a 2005 Freightliner tractor, driven by 59-year-old Robert L. Cooper of Mooresville, IN. The vehicles traveled into the median and partially into the eastbound passing lane. Traffic was slow or stopped in the area for an approaching construction zone.
Harpit Atwal refused medical treatment at the scene and was cited for speed too fast to avoid a collision. Robert L. Cooper was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment of neck and back pain. Cooper was not cited.
Atwal was driving for Future Generations Transportation Inc. of Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Full and partial lane closures periodically occurred, but all wreckage was removed and all lanes were opened at 7:01 this evening.
The crash was investigated by ISP Detective Michael Featherling. Assisting were ISP Sergeant Jared Nicoson and Troopers Matt Ames, Brian Thomas, Bill Bradbury, Ty Lightle and Ian Portteus, Clay County Sheriff’s deputies, Posey Township Fire/Rescue, Jackson Township Fire/Rescue, CARE EMS, and Edington Wrecker Service.
Pictures from the scene attached.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
-30-
Auth/WATTS
